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The Lily and the Sword
The Rose and the Shield
The Rose and the Shield
Set in 1075, Lord Henry of Montevoy is a confidant of the King and one of those Lotharios at court who has mistresses galore and swears he will never marry. One of his oldest friends is Lady Jenova of Gunlinghorn, a widow who now controls her estate, raising her young son. Jenova is thinking of marrying a neighbor, but wants Henry's advice. The neighbor is a weak-kneed son of a powerful Lord. The marriage between Alfric and Jenova would join their lands, yet Jenova could easily manage Alfric, or so she thinks. His father, Lord Baldessare, sees the marriage as his way to gain control of Jenova's rich lands. Baldessare is a mean man who controls with threats, beatings and terror. Both Alfric and his sister Rhona are afraid of him and are pawns in his plans.
There is another player in these machinations. Baldessare's priest is also cruel and seems to be encouraging the marriage. Father Jean-Paul is hideously scarred from a fire and uses his face to scare others into doing his evil deeds. And he holds a secret.
Henry is hiding secrets too. As a youth, he did some things he is not proud of, things he is certain will cause him scandal and that he fears will cause Jenova to turn from him. As these secrets are not revealed until the final 30 pages, I will say no more, except to state that these secrets are the thread that the entire tale is based on. And the fact that they are held onto until the final thirty pages makes the wait seem interminable.
The difficult part of reading this story is the pacing and the lack of action throughout the bulk of the book. Henry arrives at Gunlinghorn and he and Jenova succumb to a fit of lust. This changes their entire relationship and now they are lovers. Yet Jenova is semi-engaged to Alfric. So she breaks off the engagement, causing Baldessare to be angry. They spend the next 200 pages debating whether Jenova did the right thing, whether Henry can ever love her, and waiting for Baldessare to act. Meanwhile there is innuendo that Henry's secret is known by Baldessare, causing him angst.
Frankly, Jenova is a bit of a non-entity, supposedly being strong enough to run her own castle, yet fretting because she doesn't think Henry will love her enough to stay. And she whines about her previous husband, who apparently was a cad. Because of the pacing, Jenova never really fully develops into the lady that it is inferred she can be.
Henry is more defined, but he appears weak because he is so afraid of his past. He stays at Gunlinghorn because he is too enamored of Jenova and too soft to suck it up and take control. At the end when Jenova finally concludes she loves him and he loves her and details all the actions he took to prove it to her, I was astonished. I never guessed acting like such a wimp for 200 pages could be construed in such a heroic way.
There are sub plots and the obligatory romance between Henry's vassal and Lady Rhona. This is almost sickeningly sweet and totally uncharacteristic for the way these two were portrayed at the start. Happy endings and new beginnings are one thing, but the entire cast making a major transformation in the end just seemed too good to be true.
Kissing The Bride had the potential to be a seductive, tight drama but instead it plods along and in the end, was nothing more than a lengthy tale that is better left on the shelf.
--Shirley Lyons


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By Rachel Wilkerson, Lover.ly
When it comes to your wedding flowers, you can skip the fussy bouquets and create a down-home look with sunflowers instead. Bright and cheery sunflowers are a fun way to do your wedding flowers; you can skip other flowers entirely, or combine them with other blooms to create a colorful bouquet. Here are our favorite ways to incorporate this sunny flower into your wedding.
More from Lover.ly:
Dozens of ideas for flower girls
Find the perfect summer wedding bouquet

subset: commoncrawl


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John Lombardo represents plaintiffs and defendants in complex commercial litigation in state and federal courts, as well as in arbitrations. He has experience handling all stages of litigation, including through jury trial as lead trial counsel. His practice has encompassed a broad range of business litigation but focuses on antitrust, consumer protection, unfair competition (including Business and Professions Code section 17200), trade secret, franchise, and contract disputes. He has extensive experience defending class and representative suits and in litigation involving non-US parties. His clients include consumer and pharmaceutical product manufacturers, an international oil company, a national television programming network, insurance companies, and a leading national convenience store chain.
Mr. Lombardo served by appointment a three-year term on the State Bar of California's Committee on Administration of Justice. The Committee studies and reports recommendations on proposed changes in civil procedure, court rules and administration, rules of evidence, and other matters impacting the administration of justice in the civil courts.
Southern California Super Lawyers 2011 "Rising Star"
Executive Committee Member, Antitrust and Unfair Business Practices Section, Los Angeles County Bar Association
Member, Antitrust & Unfair Competition Section, State Bar of California
Member, Litigation Section, State Bar of California
Appointed Member, Committee on Administration of Justice, State Bar of California, 2007-2010


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The sub-specialty trained and board-certified neurologists at Colorado Health Medical Group Neurology are experts in their field, but what truly sets them apart is compassion for their patients.
Prospect Medical Plaza
We treat most general neurological conditions and offer advanced diagnostic and treatment technology for disorders of the nervous system, including strokes, electromyography (EMG), electroencephalography (EEG) and access to clinical trials for patients with epilepsy. Areas of emphasis include:
Our staff is ready to make your visit a pleasant one and provide you with exceptional medical care. To make an appointment, call 970.482.4373.
Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
University of Colorado Health employees dedicate themselves to providing patients and other customers with world-class care and service. Outside organizations recognize that, calling University of Colorado Health's hospitals some of the best in Colorado and even the best in the nation. Some of those accolades are listed below:
University of Colorado HealthFort Collins, firstname.lastname@example.com


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Whether you are publishing or ordering a dissertation or thesis, ProQuest is the only partner you'll need. Since 1938, ProQuest Dissertation Publishing has published more than 2 million dissertations and theses. With more than 700 active university publishing partners, we publish more than 90,000 new graduate works each year.
Learn about ProQuest's most-accessed dissertations.


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Please enter your travel dates.
Standard Room, 2 Queen Beds
Standard Room, 1 King Bed, Corner
Suite, 1 King Bed
Standard Room, 1 King Bed
Modern Upper East Side hotel with indoor pool
With a stay at Courtyard by Marriott New York Manhattan/Upper East Side in New York (Upper East Side), you'll be minutes from Gracie Mansion and close to Central Park.
This hotel is close to Rockefeller Center and Chrysler Building.
Make yourself at home in one of the 226 air-conditioned guestrooms. Complimentary wired and wireless Internet access keeps you connected, and cable programming provides entertainment. Private bathrooms with shower/tub combinations feature complimentary toiletries and hair dryers. Conveniences include direct-dial phones, as well as safes and desks.
Be sure to enjoy recreational amenities, including a health club, an indoor pool, and a spa tub.
Featured amenities include complimentary high-speed (wired) Internet access, a business center, and express check-out. Planning an event in New York? This hotel has facilities measuring 1364 square feet (127 square meters), including small meeting rooms. Parking (subject to charges) is available onsite, and additional parking (subject to charges) can be found nearby.Information missing or incorrect? Tell us!
Hotel Amenities
- General
Opened in 2006, this New York hotel features guestrooms and a lobby renovated in 2014. Located in Manhattan's Yorkville neighborhood, a historic residential enclave bordering the East River, Central Park is only six blocks west. The Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Guggenheim Museum are both within easy reach.
The Courtyard by Marriott's indoor pool is paired with a spa tub. A well-equipped fitness center includes a sauna and steam room.
Complimentary wireless Internet access is available in public areas. The property features 3 meeting rooms with 1,354 square feet (126 square meters) of meeting space. A business center is also on site. Parking is available nearby for a surcharge and valet parking is also offered.
The hotel is entirely nonsmoking.
- 24-hour front desk
- Air-conditioned public areas
- Business center
- Business services
- Concierge services
- Coffee/tea in lobby
- Complimentary newspapers in lobby
- Doorman/doorwoman
- Dry cleaning/laundry service
- Elevator/lift
- Express check-out
- Health club
- Multiple small meeting rooms
- Multilingual staff
- Number of floors - 15
- Total number of rooms - 226
- Self parking (surcharge)
- Parking (surcharge)
- Parking nearby
- Parking nearby (surcharge)
- Porter/bellhop
- Safe-deposit box at front desk
- Meeting facilities size (meters) - 127
- Number of meeting/conference rooms - 3
- Meeting facilities size (feet) - 1364
- Sauna
- Security guard
- Smoke-free property
- Spa tub
- Steam room
- Swimming pool - indoor
- Tour assistance
- Free wired high-speed Internet
- Valet parking (surcharge)
- Internet
Available in all rooms: Free Wi-Fi, Free wired high-speed Internet
Available in some public areas: Free wired high-speed Internet
- Parking
Parking (surcharge), Self parking (surcharge), Valet parking (surcharge), Parking nearby, Parking nearby (surcharge)
- Room Amenities
- Air conditioning
- Private bathroom
- Cable TV service
- Blackout drapes/curtains
- Climate control
- Coffee/tea maker
- Complimentary weekday newspaper
- Complimentary toiletries
- Cribs/infant beds available
- Desk
- Direct-dial phone
- Hair dryer
- Daily housekeeping
- Hypo-allergenic bedding available
- In-room safe
- Iron/ironing board
- Pay movies
- Premium bedding
- Premium TV channels
- Shower/tub combination
- Free Wi-Fi
- Free wired high-speed Internet
- Dining
Dinner delivery service is available from local restaurants.
- Recreation
The Courtyard by Marriott offers an indoor pool, a spa tub, a well-equipped fitness center, a sauna, and a steam room.
Central Park, six blocks west of this Upper East Side hotel, encompasses 843 acres of meadows, woods, ravines, gardens, paths, and lakes in an emerald setting. Popular walking and running routes include Central Park Drive (closed to traffic during scheduled hours) and the path around the Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir. The Loeb Boathouse, on a picturesque lake, rents rowboats and bicycles.
Carl Schurz Park, 7 blocks (about a half-mile) from the hotel, is one of Manhattan's lesser-known treasures. Located along the East River, the park features a running path, a large playground, and inspiring views. Gracie Mansion, the official residence of the mayor, stands at the north end of the park.
The recreational activities listed below are available at or near the Courtyard by Marriott; surcharges may apply.
- Ice skating nearby
- Boating nearby
- Running track/path nearby
- Basketball nearby
- Yoga classes/instruction nearby
- Bicycle rentals nearby
- Hiking/biking trails nearby
- Bird watching nearby
- Playground nearby
- Swimming on site
- Accessibility
To make requests for specific accessibility needs, complete the "Special or Accessibility Requests" section of "Trip Preferences" when you book your hotel.
- Accessible path of travel
- Accessible bathroom
- Roll-in shower
- In-room accessibility
- Accessibility equipment for the deaf
- Braille or raised signage
Policies & Fees
- Check-in
Check-in time starts at 3 PM
- Check-out
Check-out time is noon
- Payment types
Accepted at this hotel: American Express, Diners Club, Discover, MasterCard, Visa
- General
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on hotel policy.
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card or cash deposit are required at check-in for incidental charges.
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges. Special requests cannot be guaranteed.
- Fees
- The following fees and deposits are charged by the property at time of service, check-in, or check-out.
The above list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits may not include tax and are subject to change.
- Self parking fee: USD 25 per day
- Valet parking fee: USD 45 per day
- Additional Details
This hotel has a smoke-free policy.


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1565 Bragaw St Ste 103, Anchorage, AK | Directions 9950861.206520 -149.808261
Mon. - Sat. 10am - 10:30pm;Sun. CLOSED
Neighborhoods: Russian Jack Park
Terrific take out! – Wow.. called to see if they could fax their menu, got it right away. Took a good look, ordered 3 dinner meals. Asked for Delivery. VERY quick on delivery. Good food, had enough to feed 5!! Very impressed. Would highly recommend to anyone. The only compaint.. they don't deliver soup.
Reviewer – Very disappointing chicken flavors, sweet and sour pork almost spoiled, stick to their deli side, the sandwhiches are decent.
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| What's new
| Contacts
The principle of humane treatment, as Jean Pictet wrote in 1958, is in truth the leitmotiv of the four Geneva Conventions of 1949. It includes the prohibition of torture, cruel or inhuman treatment and outrages
International human rights law and international humanitarian law are traditionally two distinct branches of law, one dealing with the protection of persons from abusive power, the other with the conduct of
Complementarity and mutual influence inform the interaction between international humanitarian law and international human rights law in most cases. In some cases when there is contradiction between the two
The article outlines the legal framework that governs transfers of individuals, and in particular the international law principle of non-refoulement and other obstacles to transfers. The author addresses some
Get off my cloud: cyber warfare, international humanitarian law, and the protection of civilians Get off my cloud: cyber warfare, international humanitarian law, and the protection of civilians 30-06-2012
Document printed from the web site of the ICRC
International Committee of the Red Cross
Last update: 06-07-12


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Free shipping applies to all domestic orders. Orders are processed and shipped during regular business hours (Monday through Friday 8:00 am to 5:00 pm EST, excluding holidays).
Save an extra 20% off your entire order with coupon code: Bloom20
*May exclude certain brands.
**May not be combined with any other offer.
Code expires Wednesday, April 30th 2014
The absence of electricity in the tails makes them safe to the touch. This particular fiber optic system is primarily used in sensory or treatment rooms in hospitals and schools.
The color change property of these sensory lighting kits stimulates the minds of young children and helps in identifying different colors and had also been found to be beneficial for children of any age with learning difficulties. Studies indicate the benefits for the Sensory Therapy given to children with Autism and also with adults suffering with Dementia.


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Literary Lions Book Club: Heart of Palm by Laura Lee Smith
Saturday, December 14 @ 10:30am
Utina, Florida, is a small, down-at-the-heels, southern town. Once enlivened by the trade in Palm Sunday palms and moonshine, Utina hasn't seen economic growth in decades, and no family is more emblematic of the local reality than the Bravos. Deserted by the patriarch years ago, the Bravos are held together in equal measure by love, unspoken blame, and tenuously brokered truces. Little do any of them know that Utina is about to meet the tide of development that has already engulfed the rest of Northeast Florida.


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|Aculab Cloud Voicemail
How to write a voicemail system Our voicemail tutorial takes you step by step into the process of creating a telephonic voicemail system. After reading this tutorial, you will understand the principles of: �Text-To-Speech (TTS) �Recording messages, and using the Cloud media store �Playing messages on the Cloud media store �Using DTMF detection �Playing DTMF sounds as prompts for messages �Using application arguments within your own programs �Using a menu system �Handling errors and unexpected hangups �Identifying the caller of your application To navigate through the tutorial, use the Previous and Next buttons at the bottom of this screen. Well, what are you waiting for? Let's make a voicemail system!
|Inbound application using TTS
Another simple application, showing how to use TTS to say some text with an incoming call.
Simple IVR example. An inbound application that prompts the user to select a target to be transferred to. The target names (to be read out) and addresses (to be transferred to) are listed at service registration.
|Want to build and IVR?
All the features you need to build and IVR on Aculab Cloud
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Defeat Diabetes
150 153rd Ave,
Suite 300
Madeira Beach, FL 33708
New Research Shows that White Rice Increases Risk of DiabetesPosted: Monday, August 02, 2010
A large study reports that people who eat more white rice are at increased risk for Type 2 diabetes, whereas whole-grain foods like brown rice could reduce the likelihood of diabetes. The researchers calculated that replacing just one-third of a typical daily serving of white rice with the same amount of brown rice might reduce the risk of Type 2 diabetes by 16%.
To create white rice, brown rice must be milled and polished, which removes most of its vitamins and minerals. Milling also strips away most of its fiber -- a compound that might help to deter diabetes by slowing the rush of glucose into the bloodstream.
In a published paper, the researchers reported that frequently eating white rice increased the risk of Type 2 diabetes. Those who reported eating at least 5 weekly servings of white rice had a 17% percent higher risk than those who ate less than 1 serving per month. In contrast, those eating at least 2 weekly servings of brown rice had an 11% lower risk of developing Type 2 diabetes than those eating less than 1 serving per month. The findings held even after scientists adjusted for several factors that might influence the results, including age, weight and family history of diabetes.
In the new study, researchers at the Harvard School of Public Health and Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, analyzed rice consumption and diabetes risk among nearly 200,000 people who had participated in 3 large studies of nurses and other health professionals. Every 2-4 years, the participants completed questionnaires about their diet, lifestyle and health conditions. During 14 to 22 years of follow-up, about 5,500 cases of Type 2 diabetes arose among participants. The research was funded in part by NIH's National Cancer Institute (NCI) and National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK).
The researchers calculated that replacing just one-third of a typical daily serving of white rice with the same amount of brown rice might reduce the risk of Type 2 diabetes by 16%. The same replacement with other whole grains, such as whole wheat and barley, could lead to a 36% reduced risk, the scientists estimated. The current Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend that at least half our carbohydrates come from whole grains.
The researchers note that a potential limitation of their study is that the analyses were based on participants' self-reported intake of brown and white rice, which may not be accurate. However, they note that the large number of people studied, and the consistent results across all 3 study groups, add validity to the findings.
"Rice consumption in the U.S. has dramatically increased in recent decades," says lead author Dr. Qi Sun. "We believe replacing white rice and other refined grains with whole grains, including brown rice, would help lower the risk of Type 2 diabetes."
Source: http://www.diabetesincontrol.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=9629&catid=53&Itemid=8, Archives of Internal Medicine, June 14, 2010
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Asomugha, Lechler named AP All-Pro
By Jerry McDonald - NFL Writer
Monday, January 24th, 2011 at 2:21 pm in Oakland Raiders.
Punter Shane Lechler and free-agent-to-be cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha were both named to the Associated Press All-Pro team Monday as selected by a panel of 50 media members.
Lechler's selection comes as a mild surprise in that lost out to Mat McBriar of Dallas in terms of both gross punting (47.9 to 47.0) and net punting (41.7 to 40.8). Lechler did have fewer touchbacks (8 for McBriar, 4 for Lechler) and placed 27 punts inside the 20 to 22 for McBriar.
Asomugha was teamed with Darrelle Revis as the All-Pro cornerback on the basis of his reputation as a cover corner. He did not give up a touchdown pass this season despite struggling through part of the season with an ankle injury, missing one game outright.
The only Raider who merited second-team mention was free safety Michael Huff, one of seven players to tie for the second safety position along with Green Bay's Nick Harris. Huff, Antrel Rolle (Giants), Eric Weddle (Chargers), Malcolm Jenkins (New Orleans), Quintin Mikell (Eagles), Chris Harris (Bears), Michael Griffin (Titans) Darren Sharper (Saints) were tied, meaning each probably received a single vote.
Asomugha is also a candidate for the Walter Payton Award, which recognizes community service as well as on-field play. The winner will be announced before Super Bowl XLV. Other candidates are Israel Idonije of the Chicago Bears and Madieu Williams of the Minnesota Vikings.
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Make learning fun! Keva® Contraptions Building Set teaches your kids about the basic principles of Physics. But they'll have so much fun, they'll forget they're learning! Contraptions Set needs no glue, nails or connectors. It's held together by simple gravity. And as your kids build ramps, funnels, chutes and tunnels for the included balls to navigate, they'll improve their critical thinking, motor skills, logic, engineering ability and more. Your kids' only limit is their imaginations!
Endless fun:
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text: Winter Management Tips For Calf Raisers Energy maintenance requirements of calves and heifers increase. Published on: Nov 29, 2012 A commonly occurring question from dairy producers is: How can we adjust our management practices to accommodate extreme temperatures so we can keep our calves healthy and growing in the winter months? "As temperatures begin to decrease, the energy maintenance requirements of calves and heifers increase. In order for growth to occur these additional energy needs must be met," says Devin Hyde, a calf and heifer specialist with Purina Animal Nutrition. Cold stress in calves occurs when temperatures fall below 60 degrees for calves under 21 days of age and 42 degrees for calves over 21 days of age. "But when it's 30 degrees F, calves will need 30 percent more energy just for maintenance," notes Hyde. "Energy requirements only go up the colder it gets."Winter Management Tips For Calf Raisers Hyde shares the following five tips to help manage cold-stressed calves. Bedding management. Bedding provides a method for the calf to reduce heat loss and is a source of insulation. An adequate bedding nest can help decrease the incidence of respiratory disease, as calves are able to use energy to maintain their immune systems instead of expending fat reserves to support body heat regulation. Feeding three times per day. Research has shown that feeding milk replacer three times per day will help stabilize the pH in the rumen of the calf for better feed efficiency. Increased starter intakes and increases in total body volume are also key supporting outcomes of three times per day feeding. Calf jackets. The use of clean, dry calf jackets has been shown to increase the internal temperature of a calf by 25 degrees F. Giving free-choice water. Providing good quality water to calves is crucial not only for maintaining hydration status, but also for adequate rumen development. In the winter months, it is best to feed warm water soon after feedings so calves get used to drinking before they lie down and the water freezes. Providing enough nutrition. Energy needs will be met by diverting resources from growth and body reserves. Plan your feeding program to provide the additional energy needed during cool weather periods. Implementing a calf starter that is formulated for supporting growth during the winter months is essential for consistent growth rates.


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The DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Flagstaff is the perfect spot for dining in Flagstaff AZ. The DoubleTree Flagstaff Hotel features two delightfully different dining experiences: continental cuisine served morning, noon and night in the sunny Woodlands Restaurant or fresh sushi and Teppan-style cooking prepared tableside by the skilled chefs at the Sakura Restaurant. Room service is also available at the DoubleTree by Hilton Flagstaff Hotel.
Easter Brunch
$29.95 Adults
Easter Champagne Brunch Menu
Woodlands Restaurant
Enjoy breakfast, lunch and dinner at the Woodlands Restaurant. The open atrium-style restaurant, is sunny and bright, perfect for a casual dining experience in a relaxed atmosphere. Menu items range from classic breakfast omelets to a variety of sandwiches to crispy salads - or maybe you prefer a juicy steak.
Whatever your taste, you'll always have an excellent meal at the Woodlands Restaurant. With such a variety, you can see why the Woodlands Hotel is top rated when it comes to great dining in Flagstaff, AZ.
Do you prefer breakfast in bed? or a late evening supper? The Woodlands Restaurant also offers room service from 6am - 10pm daily. (Be sure to ask about our Bed and Breakfast Specials when you book your room accommodations).
Woodlands Restaurant hours of operations:
Sakura Restaurant
Enjoy the excitement of Japanese cuisine at the Sakura Restaurant and fresh Sushi Bar. Sakura Flagstaff Sushi offers one of the most unique dining experiences in Flagstaff and has been voted one of the 'Best Restaurants of the Southwest" by Food and Wine Magazine. At Flagstaff's original Sushi Bar, you can sit and watch the highly trained chefs produce incredible works of edible art.
Or sit at a Teppan table for lunch or dinner and watch amazed as our talented chefs dazzle you demonstrating the fine art of Teppan Style cooking. Ask them to do "The Ring of Fire!"
Sakura Hours of operation:


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Definition of chargeback in English:
chargebackSyllabification: charge·back
Pronunciation: /ˈCHärjˌbak /
- 1A demand by a credit-card provider for a retailer to make good the loss on a fraudulent or disputed transaction.More example sentences
- The developers also work with banks to create repeatable custom reports that can focus on any aspect of authorizing a card or transaction, including chargebacks for disputed amounts and fraud.
- Filing a chargeback or dispute with your bank will result in legal action against you.
- If you are away at the time it is sent, you lose the right to dispute the chargeback.
- 1.1(In business use) an act or policy of allocating the cost of an organization's centrally located resources to the individuals or departments that use them.More example sentences
- He was the suspect, as a much higher number of the credit card chargebacks appeared to relate to slips filled in by him, as compared with slips filled in by others.
- Or a company's internal chargebacks could actually make it less expensive - at least on paper - to install new cabling dedicated to the integrated system than to use the existing company network.
- The evolution of sophisticated chargeback programs has been a boon to facility and real estate executives.
More definitions of chargebackDefinition of chargeback in:
- The British & World English dictionary
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Word of the day milord
Pronunciation: məˈlôrd
used to address an English nobleman


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Photo: Courtesy of Vintage Books
Photo: Courtesy of Vintage Books
How do you like to start your day? What news show do you like to kick it off with? We don't play favorites. Instead we feature anchors we love, one being Norah O'Donnell who delivers the news alongside Charlie Rose and Gayle King each morning on CBS This Morning. read
Fashion, like Hollywood, is constantly evolving. As fast as labels and designers can churn out new styles, there are up-and-coming ingénues to wear them on the red carpet (and leave us coveting practically every look). Since Neiman Marcus is one of our go-tos for the latest by our favorite designers and rising labels, we read


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Everything you need to conquer life in the kitchen.
Say good riddance to Old Man Winter with these seasonal picks.
DON'T MISS: Rush Hour Recipes, Ground Chicken Dinners and Grilled Cheese, 25 Ways
Join our newsletter to receive more recipe ideas each week.
As a member, you can save and sort your favorite recipes -- for FREE!Join Food.com
Our most popular mains, sides and salads — here's what you want to eat for dinner right now.
Our home cooks have perfected top-notch remakes of your favorite restaurant dishes.
Sign up for our free weekly newsletter to get more recipes ideas.
As a member, you can save and organize your favorite recipes and more.Join Food.com
We've got the cantina classics that will have your friends buzzing on May 5th.
Did you know that there's a new food holiday 365 days a year? See what today is!
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JoyfulCook shares more about her travels, living abroad and her favorite international cuisine.
Learn the best way to cook bacon, shred chicken and reheat pizza.
We've rounded up some of our home cooks' most entertaining kitchen mishaps.
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Homemade Liqueurs for Gift-Giving
Tue Oct 30, 2012 9:29 amForum Host
People enjoy giving and receiving homemade goodies, including homemade liqueurs. And the holiday season is a great time to explore options for creating your own unique blend for enjoying yourself or for gift-giving. We're introducing this topic well in advance of the holidays so that those recipes that need to age can still be made in time for the holidays next month.
We cannot vouch for any particular recipe mentioned or featured here, because we haven't tried most of them ourselves. We're just offering suggested recipes as a way of giving you a start in homemade gift-giving ideas for your friends and family members—or yourself!
There is likely to be multiple recipes for any given liqueur, as we thought it best to offer a variety (whenever possible) so you have a choice in selecting what recipe works best for your needs.
Whether you're interested in a more economical way of stocking your own home bar, or whether you'd like to make your own signature spirits for holiday gift-giving, we've created a list below of some of the homemade spirits and liqueurs that are posted on this site. Nearly any of them would be a good hostess gift for a potluck party you'll be attending this year, or something special to tuck under the tree for all your friends.
Many will not require extra equipment or fancy gadgets beyond what one might already have in their kitchen. But be sure to check each recipe before jumping in and getting started, because some require weeks or months to "age". And there might be a select few that will require equipment that you might not have readily available to you. So read the recipes carefully.
With a bit of an investment in the necessary ingredients and fresh gift-giving bottles, you can bottle your own unique concoctions for a fraction of the price that it would cost in retail shops.
Experiment, have fun, and find the recipe that works best for you.
Tips for Gift Giving
Bottles - You can select unique bottles in colorful shades and unusual shapes, or you can select bottles that most closely resemble the equivalent brand name product sold in retail shops. Just be sure the bottles are clean and free of any chips, nicks or cracks.
Labels – Label your bottles with the type of alcohol, expiration date (if applicable), and special storage or preparation instructions. Be creative and select a unique label design and font type that fits your personality.
Packaging – Depending on the bottles you select, most liqueurs should fit in standard wine-size gift bags that are available at most party stores. For an extra touch, tie (around the neck of the bottle) a bow or ribbon in a festive holiday design. Or, for a special touch, tie a handmade ornament or a cluster of fresh cinnamon sticks or candy canes to the ribbon.
That extra touch – Select a few delectable and decadent dessert recipes from this site that include your homemade liqueur as an ingredient. And include a printed copy of those luscious recipes with your gift bottle. The recipient of your homemade spirit will surely appreciate the additional sweet ways to enjoy your wonderful homemade spirit! How about Creme De Menthe Brownies, or Kahlua Fudge, or Baileys Irish Cream Truffles.
And More! - For a gift basket of assorted items, you could include any number of home bar items with your homemade liqueur, such as . . .
Personalized bar napkins made of linen or other natural fabric
A set of colorful cordial glasses
An engraved flask
Bottle stoppers made of crystal, marble or hand-carved wood
Cocktail stir sticks with whimsical designs
Wine charms or cocktail charms
Or any number of useful bartending gadgets
Happy Holidays everyone!
Small Batches
Are you in a hurry and need a gift soon? Or, do you prefer attempting a smaller batch, before making a larger quantity? Then try one of these small-batch recipes . . .
Homemade Framboise
16 Oz Coffee Liqueur
Victory's Homemade Root Beer Schnapps
Homemade Grenadine (a non-alcoholic bar syrup)
Almond Liqueurs
Homemade Amaretto Almond Liqueur
Amaretto Almond Liqueur (Homemade)
Coffee Liqueurs
Dana's Homemade Kahlua
Coffee Liqueur
Homemade Kahlua
Sa Kahlua
Coffee Liqueur With Vanilla & Cinnamon Cream
Homemade Kahlua
Coffee Flavored Liqueur
Homemade Kahlua !!
Cream Liqueurs
Homemade Baileys Irish Cream
Bailey's Irish Cream Liqueur (Gift-Giving or for Yourself!)
Homemade Baileys Irish Cream
Real Irish Cream Liqueur
Irish Cream
Irish Cream Liqueur
Original Irish Cream
Irish Cream Liqueur
Delicious Irish Cream (No Eggs)
Sheila's Irish Cream Liqueur
Extreme Cream Liqueur
Lemon cream liqueur
Lemon cream liqueur
Caramel Irish Cream Coffee
Homemade Advocaat
Fruit, Citrus, and Berry Liqueurs
Apple Cinnamon Liqueur
Fruit Punch Liqueur
Tropical Fruit Liqueur
Apricot Liqueur
Apricot Liqueur
Mel's Apricot Brandy
Peach Liqueur
Grand Marnier
Homemade Grand Marnier
Limoncello , Lemoncella
Lorraine's Luscious and Lovely Limoncello
Limoncello (Lemoncello, Limoncella)
Limoncello Lavender and Vanilla Cream Liqueur
Orange-Vanilla Liqueur
Orange Lemon Liqueur
Strawberry Liqueur
Raspberry Liqueur
Raspberry Liqueur
Blueberry Liqueur
Blackberry Liqueur
Homemade Blackberry Wine
Cranberry Liqueur (Light)
Cranberry Liqueur
Liquori Casalinghi (Cherry Liqueur)
Jerez Cherry Liqueur
Black Currant Liqueur, Liqueur De Cassis
Creme De Cassis (Currant Liqueur)
Vodka Infusions
Hungarian Hot Stew "hunky Stew"
Lemon Ginger Infused Vodka
A Peach Infused Vodka
Lemon Vodka
Fresh Pineapple Infused Vodka
Pear Vodka (Homemade)
Mint, Spice, Chocolate and Misc. Liqueurs
Mint Liqueur
Peppermint Liqueur
Cinnamon Spice Liqueur
Quick Honey Liqueur (Grietai Pagamintas Krupnikas)
Canadian Maple Liqueur
Chocolate Liqueur
Take a Shot
Care to give a shot at giving these chefs the first review (and possibly the first photograph) of their liqueur recipe?
Homemade Blackberry Brandy Liqueur
Homemade Coffee Liqueur
Homemade Cream Cordial
Homemade Brandy
Homemade Cassis (Martha Stewart)
Homemade Anisette
Homemade Galliano
Tia Maria
Creme De Menthe (Liqueur)
Homemade Creme De Menthe
Last edited by NorthwestGal on Mon Apr 29, 2013 6:04 pm, edited 1 time in total
Tue Nov 27, 2012 8:15 pmNewbie "Fry Cook" Poster
Since I am an old coot, I have been happily making homemade liqueurs for years. One I'd like to share with everyone is really simple, and tasty.
Just take 1 or 2 vanilla beans and add them to a nice big bottle of Bourbon.
Then let it age for a month, and shake it every few days or so while storing it in a dark spot. Remove the beans before you share it.
I have had friends cook with it and I know two Ladies that would shudder at drinking a shot of Bourbon straight. This, however, they will sip.
As a side note, after soaking in Bourbon for a month, or so, I put them in a container of white sugar to flavor that for other uses.
The drink does need a snappy name. Anyone have an idea?
Tue Nov 27, 2012 11:54 pmForum Host
That bourbon blend sounds delicious, chefinlansing. I'll have to give it a try. I will think about a name for a few days, but in the meantime I welcome all others to jump in with a name suggestion, too.
I hope you have posted that vanilla boubon recipe on this site! If not, please do so soon so others can find it when doing a recipe search.
Fri Nov 30, 2012 7:05 pmFood.com Groupie
Great topic, NWG!
I've been thinking about branching out from my usual, and start making some of the liqueurs as well.
I too have been making vanilla bourbon for a couple years now. It started with simply making my own vanilla with vodka. Then I experimented with gluten free vodka (made from potatoes), bourbon, rum, and several other flavor infused vodkas.
The vanilla bourbon is amazing in my favorite whiskey cake and glaze, and this Thanksgiving I made vanilla bourbon glazed carrots as a side dish. Yummy!
I just call it vanilla bourbon, but naming the drinking of it straight would be fun. Since I use the bourbon from Kentucky and the bourbon vanilla beans from the Sava region of Madagascar, I'm thinking something like "Kentucky Sava" or "Kentucky Madness"?
Mon Dec 03, 2012 12:58 pmForum Host
**Tinkerbell** wrote:
Great topic, NWG!
I've been thinking about branching out from my usual, and start making some of the liqueurs as well.
I too have been making vanilla bourbon for a couple years now. It started with simply making my own vanilla with vodka. Then I experimented with gluten free vodka (made from potatoes), bourbon, rum, and several other flavor infused vodkas.
The vanilla bourbon is amazing in my favorite whiskey cake and glaze, and this Thanksgiving I made vanilla bourbon glazed carrots as a side dish. Yummy!
I just call it vanilla bourbon, but naming the drinking of it straight would be fun. Since I use the bourbon from Kentucky and the bourbon vanilla beans from the Sava region of Madagascar, I'm thinking something like "Kentucky Sava" or "Kentucky Madness"?
Hi, Tinkerbell. Merry Christmas to you and your family!
That vanilla vodka sounds scrumptious. I've made a few vodka flavors and can't wait to try vanilla during the holidays. It sounds so delicious.
I like the idea of your Kentucky Madness drink, it has my vote for an official name. It sue sounds like a drink I could enjoy.
Hugs to the kids, I hope they have a spectacular Christmas this year.
Mon Dec 03, 2012 9:26 pmFood.com Groupie
Thanks Nwg!
Soph is totally excited for Santa to bring her some cool stuff. Of course, she made a list, then revised it, then wrote a new one, then revised it... I'm afraid Santa ordered off the first list, not the most recent one.
I'm already feeling sorry for her kids when she gets old enough to start writing her will.
DS came home for a few days over Thanksgiving and we're hoping he'll come stay with us again over the Christmas holiday.
Hope you all have a great Christmas too!
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text:
SANTA CLARA, Calif. — The most improbable, unbelievable throw by San Francisco 49ers quarterback Alex Smith didn't even hit its intended target.
It came last Saturday before Game 1 of the National League division series between the San Francisco Giants and Cincinnati Reds, when Smith had the honor of throwing out the first pitch.
NFL's No. 1 pick, to a struggling starter, to a backup, to nearly being cast aside by the franchise that had rushed him onto the field.
Now, as a leader of the hottest team in football and owner of a league-best 108.7 passer rating, he's embraced by a fan base that once roundly rejected him.
So it was really no big deal that he threw that ceremonial pitch into the dirt in front of home plate, even though he joked: "I'm disgusted with myself."
No matter, no one questions his accuracy anymore, not with him competing 68.6% of his passes with eight touchdowns and only one interception. Smith, whose team will play host to the New York Giants on Sunday in a rematch of last season's NFC championship game, has thoroughly reinvented himself.
And he has done it in a unique way. Unlike quarterbacks such as Jim Plunkett, Steve Young and Rich Gannon, who had career breakthroughs after changing teams, Smith has been able to survive the worst of times with the 49ers — times when coaches have flat given up on him — to emerge on the other side.
Coach Jim Harbaugh has played an essential role in the transformation, casting his lot with Smith from the start, something previous coaches Mike Nolan and Mike Singletary didn't do.
"Can't tell you how much respect I have for him," Harbaugh said. "That he has played well, handles himself, does all the things. [I] kind of look back and say, 'Man, I wish I would have done as good a job as he has done.' On and off the field, in everything that he does and his approach to the game, I think it's a real example."
That confidence paid off last season when Smith — who had cycled through a constant carousel of different offensive coordinators and quarterback coaches — clicked with Harbaugh and offensive coordinator Greg Roman. They put their faith in Smith and he delivered, with 17 touchdowns and just five interceptions, helping carry the club to within one win of the Super Bowl.
There's no magic to the emergence of Smith. He has a better head coach — a former NFL quarterback who had his own ups and downs; better personnel around him on both sides of the ball; is healthier after undergoing several shoulder surgeries, and is simply older and more experienced. It's easy to forget that Smith is only 28, younger even than Brandon Weeden, Cleveland's rookie quarterback.
In the darkest times, could Smith have envisioned being in the position the 49ers are now in, as an elite team with him at the helm?
"I was certainly playing for it. I wasn't playing to continue to lose," he said, standing at his locker this week. "You continue to put the work in and to fight and play because you're trying to win games. No question, thought it could get better, didn't know when or how."
Smith, in his seventh season, is one of just two No. 1 picks in the modern era to spend more than five seasons with his original team despite never making a Pro Bowl. The other is defensive end Kenneth Sims, the top pick in 1982, who played eight seasons with New England.
The 49ers have stood by Smith, even though they came close to tossing him aside several times.
Nolan pressed him into action with a bad supporting cast almost immediately, then got frustrated with him for not developing quickly enough. The coach publicly questioned his toughness, wondering why he wouldn't play through a separated shoulder that would require several surgeries.
Singletary never trusted Smith's ability to throw, and instead ran a simple, run-oriented offense. He once referred to Smith as "meek," a comment that wasn't malicious but was less than a ringing endorsement of the quarterback's leadership skills.
Said Jed York, 49ers chief executive, of Smith: "We had to look at it and say, 'We have somebody here that knows the team, knows the offense, knows the system. We just haven't done a good enough job of putting him in a stable situation where he can be successful.' A lot of that are failures I would put on the organization, not Alex."
Harbaugh was hired in January 2011, a few months before the lockout. He soon announced that Smith was his quarterback, even though there was widespread speculation that the 49ers might sign Matt Hasselbeck. Then came the lockout, and that helped Smith in at least two significant ways:
Alex Smith, the Bay Area's most improbable hero
Once thought a first-pick bust for the 49ers, the quarterback now rates a standing ovation when tossing out the first pitch at a S.F. Giants playoff game.
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text:
I'm female, say nothing and made my book on 1st November 2009.
I haven't bookmarked any quotes at the moment.
Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch ...
Immature love says: I love you because I need you. Mature love says: I need you because I love you.
Progress is impossible without change, and those who cannot change their minds cannot change anything.
Double, double toil and trouble; / Fire burn and cauldron bubble.
My conscience aches but it's going to lose the fight.
You know I say just what I think, and nothing more and less. I cannot say one thing and mean another.


text: Close COTTON SATEEN COLUMNIST PANT Style: 7247481C 59.9 59.9 19.99 19.99 $59.90 $19.99 Read Reviews Cotton sateen adds crispness to our head-turning Columnist. Combined with leg-lengthening tailoring and a classic notch back, it delivers an exceptionally chic look from morning meetings to late suppers. Low rise, slim fit, barely boot legZip fly and hidden hook close, belt loopsWelt hand and back pocketsNotch back detailCottonMachine washableImported


text:
"Maternal determination of progeny body size and coloration in the desert locust, Schistocerca gregaria, depends on the crowding conditions experienced during the short sensitive period that occurs two to six days before the deposition of the egg pod. Solitarious (isolated-reared) females produce relatively small eggs that yield solitarious green hatchlings but, females that are exposed to crowded conditions during the sensitive period, produce larger eggs that yield the dark-colored hatchlings characteristic of gregarious forms. The present study aimed to determine the stimuli influencing the maternal determination of progeny characteristics as well as the site at which such stimuli are perceived. By exposing isolated female adults to various combinations of visual, olfactory and tactile stimuli from a crowd of other adults, we found that no crowding effects could be elicited without tactile stimulation.
Photo: flickr/pterjan


text:
U.S. News Rankings
|Ranking score and category
Williams Baptist College is a private institution that was founded in 1941. It has a total undergraduate enrollment of 566, its setting is rural, and the campus size is 185 acres. It utilizes a semester-based academic calendar. Williams Baptist College's ranking in the 2014 edition of Best Colleges is Regional Colleges (South), 51. Its tuition and fees are $13,750 (2013-14).
|School mission and unique qualities (as provided by the school):
Williams Baptist College provides academic excellence within an environment of Christian warmth and caring. A low student-to-teacher ratio and a highly qualified teaching faculty assure that students receive both personal attention and challenging instruction in the classroom. Outside the classroom, Williams students enjoy a wide array of student activities, including music, drama, varsity and intramural athletics, and a host of student clubs and organizations. The Office of Campus Ministries also facilitates spiritual growth and Christian service for students. Williams allows students to study abroad through the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities.
General Information
|School type
|private, coed college
|Year founded
|Religious affiliation
|Southern Baptist Convention
|Academic calendar
|2012 Endowment
When applying to Williams Baptist College, it's important to note the application deadline is rolling. The application fee at Williams Baptist College is $20. It is selective, with an acceptance rate of 62.3 percent.
For more information about the tests, essays, interviews, and admissions process, visit the Applying to College knowledge center.
|Fall 2012 acceptance rate
|Application deadline
|SAT/ACT scores must be received by
Academic Life
The student-faculty ratio at Williams Baptist College is 14:1, and the school has 56.6 percent of its classes with fewer than 20 students. The most popular majors at Williams Baptist College include: Psychology, General; Bible/Biblical Studies; Physical Education Teaching and Coaching; Elementary Education and Teaching; and Liberal Arts and Sciences/Liberal Studies. The average freshman retention rate, an indicator of student satisfaction, is 65 percent.
Student Life
Williams Baptist College has a total undergraduate enrollment of 566, with a gender distribution of 39 percent male students and 61 percent female students. At this school, 67 percent of the students live in college-owned, -operated, or -affiliated housing and 33 percent of students live off campus. Williams Baptist College is part of the NAIA athletic conference.
|Total enrollment
|Student gender distribution
|Undergraduate men who are members of a fraternity
|Undergraduate women who are members of a sorority
|Collegiate athletic association
Campus Info & Services
Williams Baptist College offers a number of student services including nonremedial tutoring, placement service, and health service. Williams Baptist College also offers campus safety and security services like 24-hour foot and vehicle patrols, 24-hour emergency telephones, lighted pathways/sidewalks, student patrols, and controlled dormitory access (key, security card, etc). Of the students at Williams Baptist College, 90 percent have cars on campus. Alcohol is not permitted for students of legal age at Williams Baptist College.
|Students who have cars on campus
|Health insurance offered
More About Campus Info & Services
Paying for School
At Williams Baptist College, 72 percent of full-time undergraduates receive some kind of need-based financial aid and the average need-based scholarship or grant award is $4,491.
Paying for college doesn't have to be difficult or devastating. Go to the Paying for College knowledge center to get advice on raising cash and reducing costs.
|Tuition and fees
|$13,750 (2013-14)
|Room and board
|$6,200 (2013-14)
|Financial aid statistics
* Overview details based on 2012 data


text:
Soft Structured Carriers
Ergo Baby Carrier
" My husband and I are anti-"baby bucket." Everyone these days seems to carry their baby around in a plastic bucket with a handle, holding her at shin height and putting her on the floor for convenience. When I got pregnant, we swore we would never be "bucket people." We didn't know it at the time, but we were destined to become Ergo people instead. Need to get your..." --JulieInChicago
ERGO Baby Organic Carrier
"I used the Ergo with my first until he was nearly three. He preferred to be on my front most of the time, right up till the end. We used it for grocery stores, walks, travel (so great for airports!) and some epic hikes. I am now using it for my second baby, age 3 months. She was too big for the newborn insert (birth weight 11 lbs, 4 oz and the insert goes to 12 lbs!), so I had..." --MinneapolisMama
ERGO Sport Carrier
" We use this carrier all the time. We love to hike and walk all over town with this carrier. One thing that I really like is that the ERGO sport carrier keeps me cool on the outings which is no small feat carrying a little love oven everywhere. Definately worth the price if you want a carrier that can take long hikes. Sometimes it seems like the straps slip on long hikes and..." --psmama
Baby Bjorn Air Carrier
" It took my son a couple of weeks to adjust to this carrier and he eventually liked being in it. I found it very helpful at first; the hands-free capability. However, as my son grew and gained weight, carrying him in the Air hurt my back. I just thought it was me, but the carrier really had minimal back support. My husband really wanted one of these since he saw his brother had one, so I..." --Romina
Chicco UltraSoft Infant Carrier
Designed in Italy, the Chicco UltraSoft Front Infant Carrier provides soft breathable mini-vented lining giving baby a cool, padded & comfortable ride. Adjustable padded straps give parent the proper shoulder fit and comfort. The carrier features an exclusive cuddle pocket to soothe and comfort baby, as well as a washable snap-on cloth to protect clothes from dribbles and drools. Vented...
Baby Bjorn Active Baby Carrier
The BABYBJÖRN Baby Carrier Active is a sturdy baby carrier perfect for parents on the go who want to be able to carry baby for longer periods of time It has been enhanced with an adjustable back support that provides comfortable stability for the lower back and helps take the weight off your shoulders As with all our baby carriers it was developed in collaboration with medical experts to...
Baby Bjorn Organic Comfort Carrier
Ergonomic, Versatile, and Organic! The ergonomic BABYBJÖRN Organic Comfort Carrier offers parents a comfortable way to travel with their growing child. It provides optimum support when carrying larger and older children for longer periods of time. The waist belt and padded shoulder straps adjust the weight evenly over both hips and shoulders. The child's leg position...
Baby Bjorn Synergy Carrier
BABYBJÖRN Baby Carrier Synergy combines the light and breathable 3D mesh material of the BABYBJÖRN Baby Carrier Air with the comfortable back support of the BABYBJÖRN Baby Carrier Active. This lightweight baby carrier is made from a soft and breathable 3D mesh material that allows greater airflow, keeping you and baby cooler. The enhanced lower-back...
Baby Bjorn Carrier Original Spirit
The classic BABYBJÖRN® Baby Carrier Original comes in eight fashionable colors so you can express your own personal style while enjoying carrying your baby close and secure. The BABYBJÖRN® Baby Carrier Original Spirit includes all of the same features that have made the Baby Carrier Original popular with parents across the world. Baby Carrier...


text:
I have been working at Noble Energy
Pros – Great people. Excellent portfolio of projects and company growth. Good benefits. Realistic expectations of the future and a drive to succeed.
Cons – Small company growth pains. Not always well coordinated between buisness groups. Bonus structure is not always indicative of personal performance.
Advice to Senior Management – Provide feedback on reasons for headcount restraints
Yes, I would recommend this company to a friend
I have been working at Noble Energy
Noble Energy, Inc. is a leading independent energy company with a track record of success, a sound strategy for the future and a variety of unique and challenging careers. With a global scope and broad-based operations… — Full Overview
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text:
Research Axes
Focused research and collaboration.
Research holds the promise of better ways to diagnose and treat disease. To reach these goals, investigators must often focus their work on very specific questions. To facilitate focus while encouraging collaboration across scientific disciplines, The Research Institute is organized into 11 axes or programs of research.
Axes span the spectrum of medical research
Some of our axes are dedicated to research into specific diseases such as cancer, respiratory illness or cardiovascular disease. Others are focused on the study of genetics, genomics or health outcomes – areas of science which are relevant across the whole spectrum of health care. Investigators work with colleagues in other axes, forming multidisciplinary teams to study the complex questions confronting modern medicine.
For a complete list of Research by Discipline click here.


text:
I was excited by the challenge QCRI offered: help build a new world-class institute. I am glad to see it growing as a stimulating international research environment.
Preslav's research interests include computational linguistics, machine translation, lexical semantics, Web as a corpus, and biomedical text processing.
At QCRI, he works on Arabic language processing, with an emphasis on machine translation to/from Arabic, both written and spoken.
Before joining QCRI, Preslav was a Research Fellow at the National University of Singapore for three years, where he worked on text and spoken language machine translation for Asian languages, including Chinese, Malay and Indonesian. Prior to that, Preslav spent nine months at the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences and the Sofia University, where he was an honorary lecturer. He received his Ph.D. in Computer Science from the University of California at Berkeley in 2007 (supported by a Fulbright grant and a UC Berkeley fellowship).
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EMNLP 2014: Conference on Empirical Methods in Natural Language Processing
25/10/2014 - 29/10/2014, Renaissance Hotel, Doha, Qatar
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Quick Links


text:
Thursday, April 2, 2009
She wanders around, mooing, lowing, crying in her own cow way. It's a horrible sound to hear.
Somewhere in my brain, I'm a mama cow. My higher brain is functioning. But somewhere deeper, millions of years of evolution ago, there's this constant unrest, searching pastures, looking for him. Trying to find him.
Some days I can't look at his picture. Today I took him off of my computer monitor at work. It was too distracting, too painful. It woke the mama cow every time I looked up.
I'm pretty sad this week.
20 comments:
- ...tom... said...
I remember a particularly compelling scene from one of those Nature or Discovery wildlife shows after a lion/cat had pulled down a young animal.
While all the other 'mommas' and 'kids' were regrouping ... one lone antelope (or wildebeest or whatever it was) wandered around bleating for her 'lost baby'.
While the details are lost ...the sound and image are not.
It does indeed suck. {{{Hugs}}}
- April 2, 2009 at 9:20 PM
Dear Dr Smak,
your post summed up loss so accurately... heartbreakingly so
I'd give you a hug if I could
an Aussie mum
- April 2, 2009 at 9:39 PM
This POST exudes conflicting emotions for me.
Your analogy is so vivid and timely as we pass pastures daily where new born calves are nippling their mama cows.
Your analogy is so sad, real and easy to relate to.
And your writing is so clever, creative, sensitive and fun.
- April 2, 2009 at 10:15 PM
- Michelle said...
I'm so very sorry.
- April 3, 2009 at 4:52 AM
- Laura in L.A. said...
Oh, honey. Sending love and healing thoughts to you. I am so sorry.
Love, Laura
- April 3, 2009 at 9:00 AM
- AngelMc said...
I hope you don't think this is corny, but I put my hand on my computer screen and said a little prayer for you this morning.
- April 3, 2009 at 9:30 AM
- rlbates said...
- April 3, 2009 at 9:31 AM
I found your blog today through "Snickolett".
Your family's story is both heartbreaking and inspiring. You wrote of Henry's cancer, remission and death in such a beautiful way....thank you for that.
I am so very, very sorry for the loss of your son.
- April 3, 2009 at 9:56 AM
Every mother in nature cries when her baby leaves. It is sad.
- April 3, 2009 at 10:01 AM
- Sybil said...
When words don't begin to speak, I Send a big hug your way.
much love Sybil xxx
- April 3, 2009 at 12:42 PM
I think of you and check in here once a week or so to see how you are doing. It feels like dropping in on a long-time neighbor to see if I can help in any way.
I don't believe in "closure", and I don't believe the pain will ever end. I do believe, and hope, that gradually you will learn to live with the pain the way people with chronic painful diseases do - it's never gone but they manage to go on and it becomes less overwhelming. I was heartened that you were able to read a book recently.
We are out here and you, your husband and your daughters are on our minds. When I hug friends' toddlers and my nieces and nephews I realize how lucky they and I and their families are and how we should all cherish joyful moments as there are no guarantees.
Though I'm not religious, as I age I'm seeing more and more wisdom of the idea of living in the moment, which I think is a buddhist concept. You forced yourself to do that over the last year when you and Henry had good times so that he could have some happiness. I'm so glad Henry had you as his Mom.
- April 3, 2009 at 9:47 PM
I am so sorry.
- April 3, 2009 at 10:07 PM
- carolnab said...
Dr. Smak:
I said a prayer for you tonight. I am praying that something will give you comfort at this time.
- April 3, 2009 at 11:56 PM
- ADB said...
Hope that, given time, you can wholly come to terms with your loss. Have a good Holy Week.
- April 4, 2009 at 8:49 AM
- FrankandMary said...
Be sad, and mad and do whatever you feel you need to, no matter how it "looks." I hate brave faces that mask so much pain and sadness. You should be allowed to feel all you need to feel. ~Mary
- April 4, 2009 at 9:54 AM
- Kathy said...
From my blog last September, an article several years old published in the San Francisco Guardian post 9-11:
The Myth of Managing Grief
You remain in my prayers, mama.
- April 4, 2009 at 2:30 PM
- A Doc 2 Be said...
It sucks, and its hard, and little Henry will be with you forever.
I'm sorry... and wish the collective arms of those out here in blogland could ease your pain.
- April 4, 2009 at 4:27 PM
- Mama Mia said...
- April 4, 2009 at 10:01 PM
This is a beautiful, sad, poetic post. You are a gorgeous writer. Thank you for sharing with us.
- April 7, 2009 at 12:02 PM
- tiff said...
When we came home without William I walked around and around the kitchen island. I knew it was lunch time and I needed to get the other kids something to eat but all I could do was wander.
Eventually I settled in front of the computer and watched all of his photos until I just couldn't anymore. It's still hard to look at them now, it brings up too many uncontrollable emotions.
You don't know me and I don't know alot about you but I know grief is hard and I know I think about you often as you walk this journey.
- April 13, 2009 at 2:08 AM


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1. How many children in your area miss out on help to heat their homes?
2. Be BenevoLent this Lent
3. Famous, Rich and Hungry . . . and me
4. 'Listening to kids so they have a voice is really important'
5. Which Internet Safety Cat are you? Take our internet safety quiz
The Children's SocietyEdward Rudolf House Margery St. London WC1X 0JL
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As the winter season sets in, Charles Dickens' story helps people get ready to share in the spirit of Christmas with family, love and good cheer.
The Voices from the Earth Community Theater is made of 24 different voices from Tucker, Preston and Garrett counties directed by Ilene Evans. The theater's annual performance of "Christmas Carol" is scheduled for 7 p.m. Dec. 3 at Thomas Education Center, 324 Brown St., Thomas.
The Saturday evening performance is free and open to the public. Canned goods will be collected for donation to the food pantry.
Everyone is welcome to join in celebrating the Christmas spirit. More information is available by calling 304-463-4561 or emailing email@example.com.


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April 25, 2014
black family
TRAGIC KINGDOM 10:50 am February 8, 2013
Disneyland White-Power Rabbit Makes Black Children Cry
Well! Sure hope you weren't planning on being anything other than sad and angry today, because we bring you a shitty story of misery and suck. Maybe you won't even care, like "Disneyland, commodifying children's dreams, anti-corporatism, OCCUPY!" Well maybe you should shut your fucking piehole, because Disneyland is awesome (if you never, ever, ever, […]


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Wednesday, April 23, 2014
By Gary Hawkins firstname.lastname@example.com
Staff Writer
SOUTH CHINA -- Zach and Seth Pelletier collapsed into a snowbank following their fourth game of the day Sunday at the inaugural Maine Pond Hockey Classic.
CLASSIC: Jeff Browne, right, of the Winslow-based Cioppa team, battles for possession of the puck with a Portland area player during the Maine Pond Hockey Classic on Sunday on China Lake. Cioppa finished runner-up to Hart Construction.
Staff photo by David Leaming
ICE WELCOME: Volunteer Bert Languet of Belgrade clears snow off the ice on China Lake for one of four rinks for the Maine Pond Hockey Classic on Sunday.
Staff photo by David Leaming
Years ago, the brothers would have stuck around for a few more games. They did, after all, grow up on this same China Lake where they played dozens of pickup games each winter. But that was years ago.
"We played a whole lot when we were younger, but the last time Zach and I got to skate together was probably eight years ago," Seth said.
The Pelletiers starred at Waterville High before moving on to junior hockey and eventually to college, Seth playing for the Air Force Academy and Zach for Ohio State. Once they heard about the tournament and the fact that proceeds were going to the Boys and Girls Club and YMCA of Greater Waterville, their attendance was a given. Seth, 30, lives in New Jersey and caught the last flight out of Philadelphia before Friday's snowstorm. Zach, 28, traveled all the way from Arizona where he lives and works as a border patrol agent.
"A couple of friends told us about the tournament," Seth said. "I called (Zach) up as soon as I found out about it and said 'we're going.' He told me, "I don't know, that's a pretty long way for a weekend' and I said 'I'm buying you a ticket.' "
Friday's snowstorm forced the cancellation of Saturday's games and threw tournament organizer Patrick Guerette into scramble mode. Not only did he have to compress a two-day tournament into one, he had to clear 2 feet of snow off four 60x120 foot rinks.
"It was kind of crazy this morning," said Guerette, who is the health coordinator at the Boys and Girls club. "We had four snowblowers we had planned on being here, then we ended up with three and one of them didn't work."
Guerette added one rink to compensate for the shortened schedule and cut the halves down to 10 minutes each. Fourteen teams showed up for the 4 on 4 tournament-- two didn't make it due to the storm -- from Portland, Augusta, Waterville, Lewiston and beyond. One team, the Nictaux Chiefs, made the nine hour trip from Annapolis Valley, Nova Scotia to play.
"We were looking online and saw there was a pond hockey tournament," Chiefs player William Spurr said. "We had a friend who lives in Waterville so it gave us an excuse to go see him."
Had it not snowed, Guerette said 2x4s would have lined each rink to keep the puck from escaping, but the snow provided 2 foot high barriers and gave it a more authentic outdoor hockey feel. It also kept Guerette and his cadre of volunteers hopping as they cleaned the ice after each game and occasionally flooded a rink.
With sun shining brightly and temperatures in the mid 30s, conditions were nearly ideal for the tournament. The ice was another matter. It's just much more difficult to maintain outdoors.
"With all these guys skating on here, the only time it's good ice is the first game," Zach Pelletier said. "After that the skill level kind of goes away and it turns into a game of luck."
Scoring goals was easier than it looked, though. Teams shot at a flat plywood goal with goals on each end measuring 6 inches high and a foot long, reminiscent of those fans shoot at between periods of professional games.
The Pelletier team, named the Fire Road 9 Washups after the road on the lake on which they grew up, went into overtime against the KSS Wild Weasels tied at 6-6. Teams were allowed seven players per game, but a few of the Fire Road 9 members got stranded in Boston due to the storm and they played with just four players.
"My legs are tired," Zach said. "They're not what they used to be back when I was playing. It's been three years since I skated."
A couple of central Maine teams battled it out in the open division finals with Hart Construction beating Cioppa Construction 12-8 for the championship. Joseph's Sporting Goods won the Rec division championship, defeating the Blue Ox Bruisers.
Guerette got plenty of suggestions from players and volunteers and has already begun thinking about next year's tournament. Had it not snowed, a freshly scraped and flooded rink would have always been ready for the next game.
"With the storm we had to use all four rinks," Guerette said. "The ice conditions suffered a little bit, but the players seemed to understand."
The tournament incurred some extra costs due to the storm as well, but Guerette believes it will still make a small profit and many more teams will be attracted to the tournament next winter.
"There's so much hockey history in the area," he said. "Your nostalgic hockey player, they want that authentic experience. It's a completely different game."
Gary Hawkins -- 621-5638


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America's fearless leader & foreign born despot: our real enemy.
Democrats are destroying this nation. The modern democrat party is socialist, Marxist, totalitarian and is intent on destroying America. This is the "fundamental change" Barack Obama weas talking about. Unfortunately, they seem to be suceeding.
They say the democrat party is the party of evil and the republican party is the party of stupid. Point well taken but for all the problems and RINOs and moderates and ineffective leadership it is still America's best hope...
There are many divisive issues such as the economy, education, health care, amnesty for illegal aliens, war, social security, and taxes.
The Tea Party is a grassroots movement that calls awareness to any issue which challenges the security, sovereignty, or domestic tranquility of our beloved nation, the United States of America.
Patriotism, the founding fathers, the founding documents, the American flag, the military and it's veterans, the monuments to a great nation and great ideals.


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UNIVERSITY of WISCONSIN
14th Annual
Chancellor Joe Gow presents the Classified Staff at the 14th Annual Classified Excellence Breakfast held Thursday, September 23rd.
Each Fall since 1991, UW-L has celebrated the many contributions of our classified staff with a breakfast in Valhalla Hall.
This year those attending the breakfast were treated to a guest speaker, Fred Kusch.
Classified staff members who reached five-year milestones
were recognized by Chancellor Joe Gow.
This year's recipients are:
5 Year Recipients
Front Row: Sue Gates (Health Center), Diane Clayton (Health Center), Carol Beckerjeck (University Advancement & External Relations)
Middle Row: John Laffey (Landscape Services), Cary Koel (Facilities & Planning Management), Dianne Hamann (Business Services)
Back Row: Timothy Wyant (Custodial Services), Scot Reed (Building Maintenance), Julie Puent-Nelson (Health Center)
Not pictured: Sarita Chang (Health Center), Cindy Davis (Residence Life), Catherine Fowler (Residence Life), Michelle Kern (Health Center), Calvin Mitchell (Custodial Services), Michael Taylor (Information Technology)
10 Year Recipients
Front Row: Joy Gutknecht (Human Resources), George Cummings (Custodial Services), Randall Amundson (Campus Stores)
Middle Row: Krista Shulka (Theatre Arts), Deborah Miller (Admissions), Karen Langaard (Continuing Education & Extension)
Back Row: Ken Weigel (Building Maintenance), Janice Ward (Information Technology), Scott Sonnenburg (Building Maintenance)
Not pictured: Dennis Mader (Custodial Services), Steven Malay (Custodial Services), Scott McCullough (Campus Police), Leroy Sandvigen (Custodial Services), Ronald Thomson (Building Maintenance), Marjorie Troka (Student Affairs)
15 Year Recipients
Don Hill (Health Center) and Steven Peters (Power Plant)
20 Year Recipients
Front Row: Nancy Jones (Records & Registrations), Alice Clark (Educational Studies), Margaret Agger (Health Center)
Back Row: Gail Vaughn (Information Technology), Don Breitzman (Custodial Services), Tom Nyre (Custodial Services), Terry Micks (Financial Aid Office)
Not pictured: Pam Glasshoff (International Education)
25 Year Recipients
Front Row: Al Patton (Custodial Services), Judy Molzahn (Purchasing), Janet Abnet (Economics)
Back Row: Don Venner (Residence Life), Bill Spencer (Information Technology), Pat Ring (University Centers)
Not pictured: Lavonia McCarty (Murphy Library) and Larry Menden (Power Plant)
Our 30, 35 & 40 Year Recipients
Seated: Rosalyn Baumgarten-40 (Political Science), Kathy Schultz-35 (History), Cheryl Rolland-30 (Budget & Finance)
Standing: Bob Kramer-35 (Career Services)
Chancellor Joe Gow with Kathy Schultz and Rosalyn Baumgarten
Some other photos from the breakfast.
Many thanks to ALL classified staff members!


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Democratic infighting brings smile to conservative observers
These are the halcyon days for a conservative commentator, as each passing breeze brings to the writer more news of goofy bumbling and overreaching from the left. The topics are practically…
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We've been keeping you on your toes this last week with plenty of fresh new content. We've had everything from case studies through to event announcements and details on how the English language is to be preserved. Don't miss out on all the great news and information. Sign up to our Newsletter, follow us on Twitter and Like us on Facebook.
We're off to Leeds this week with the first of our IT Camps, so look out for fresh new content on that!
Stena recognised an opportunity to upgrade their current Web Content Management System (WCMS) for four of their business units' public-facing websites to SharePoint 2010. ClearPeople had already delivered a SharePoint Document Management solution to Stena and because of their extensive experience with WCMS solutions and specialisation with SharePoint, ClearPeople were an ideal partner for this project.
Each of Stena's internal business units have a public facing website run by marketing teams within each department. A cross-organisational problem was that often the existing web solution required intervention from IT to make any changes. This prevented the timely and efficient management of content. Stena needed to select a solution that would solve the shortterm challenge of making content easier to manage. Stena also needed to support future requirements such as adding social media features to make their sites more engaging.
SharePoint was selected after a like-for-like comparison where it came out as the best value-for money over the competition. The marketing team selected SharePoint for its consistent user experience and ribbon feature, which now means that little training is required and the sites can be updated more quickly and efficiently. For the IT team, using SharePoint for both Stena's intranet and public facing websites, has meant that they have less platforms to support. SharePoint is also a strong platform for running multiple web sites and has strong integration capabilities. ClearPeople redeveloped the existing design and functionality for four of Stenas'
The main challenge for ClearPeople, was to migrate the websites, detailed below, from Microsoft CMS 2002 to SharePoint 2010. The goal was to ensure that the transition onto a new platform would be seamless for both web visitors and Stena's internal team. Furthermore, ClearPeople has extensive experience implementing websites in multiple languages and so were able to leverage this skill set to deliver one of the few SharePoint 2010 sites with multilingual capabilities. The web sites are: www.stena.com (English & Swedish) www.stenasessan.se (Swedish) www.stenarealty.com (English only) www.stenateknik.com (English & Swedish)
The following deliverables were provided:
The final solution included a comprehensive hand over of custom code and referenced code libraries developed by ClearPeople to Stena's own developers. ClearPeople conducted the hand over on-site to the global IT team in Gothenburg, Sweden.
Stena's content editors report that transitioning to SharePoint's ribbon based content management system was a welcomed changed. They are now able to update content without the assistance of IT, which makes their websites more relevant and useful for their intended audience. The design and existing content was migrated without issue, and the multilingual capabilities between Swedish and English enabled. Based on the success of migrating these four websites, Stena has plans to carry over other websites in the upcoming year.
Business Benefits:
Efficiency - ability to change and manage the sites without relying on IT Agility - able to extend and update sites to respond to evolving customers needs Flexibility - to make the sites more interesting and engaging Affordability - fit within the budget for existing and upcoming projects, as well as be able to add more sites effectively and at a lower cost
About ClearPeople Established in 2003, ClearPeople is a Microsoft Gold Competency Partner and one of the UK's leading technology services companies specialising in the consultation, development and support of Microsoft SharePoint. ClearPeople's experienced technical and creative teams provide solutions that are tailored to the specific and unique needs of their clients that are underpinned by robust and flexible technologies.
If you are looking for more Case Studies on Microsoft technologies like this one, pop over to our case studies site where you will find lots of informative and useful case studies.
As part of the Britain Works program, Microsoft's DPE and Citizenship teams have been working with training company QA and e-skills UK to develop a year-long Modern Apprenticeship in Software Development.
According to the Department for Business Innovation and Skills, small and medium-sized enterprises (between 0 and 249 employees) accounted for 99.9% of all enterprises in 2011. In their Quarterly Labour Market Review, e-skills UK state that there are fewer candidates and a rising number of IT job openings. The number of advertised vacancies for IT&T staff rose to 105,000 positions with the primary roles sought by employers being Design and Development jobs.
Trinity a Microsoft Gold partner was one of the first partners to get involved in the Microsoft Apprentice Program. They are a medium size business which offer a Range of IT services including; outsourcing deals, offer one off consultancy, development and installations for organisations in both the public and private sector. We had the opportunity to chat Chris Drinan (JT) and Ben Freedman, Junior Developer who participated in the apprentice program to find out how Trinity got involved and the overall benefits of the program to both the company and the apprentice.
Trinity got involved in the apprentice program very early on as the CEO, Steve McDonagh was particularly keen on getting people straight out of school and into the work place. They found that by taking on university graduates the skills they picked up were often not immediately applicable to the workplace. Steve shared his thoughts about the idea of a software apprentice program with Microsoft and a few other gold partners. The idea evolved and Trinity were invited by Dominic Gill from Microsoft and Ben Sweetman at QA to go along to some early think tanks on what kind of training could be useful on the programme. QA helped develop the apprenticeship program with formalised training, recruitment of apprentices and also managed to secure some government Investment.
Trinity hosted one of the first regional selection days in Coventry, 12 people invited and 9 turned up on the day of which Ben was one of them and ended up being chosen for the position at Trinity. There are 800 applicants on the programme nationwide. Chris said 'The selection process was difficult, what you were eyeing up is the candidates potential because at that stage they haven't had any proven experience at all.'
However taking on Ben was a huge benefit to his team and Trinity as bringing on an apprentice means that you are able to train them up with the way the company does things without any bad habits that they could have picked up along the way. Offering this huge opportunity to a 16 year old straight out of school will mean there is a strong tendency that they will become very loyal employees.
Ben was always interested in ICT and was keen to find an opportunity where he could learn on the job. There were very limited opportunities so Ben enrolled on college course whilst still looking for an apprenticeship. When he found this one he was really interested and already had a little development background through playing with VB and Scripts. Ben applied for the role and was offered the apprenticeship with Trinity.
During the apprenticeship, Ben demonstrated to the whole development team that he was more than capable of learning his role at Trinity. He has passed 3 MS certifications and has a MCTS already! He is now on the track to be coming an MCPD (professional developer). Being early days, he is still developing his skills and still has a big learning curve ahead of him however he has established his credibility within the team. Ben has recently completed the apprenticeship and is now a junior developer Trinity. They have not yet brought on any other apprentices at the moment but plan on taking someone else on later this year.
Ben also really benefited from the apprenticeship. Ben said, 'I wasn't sure what to expect, it was all completely new, but wanted to get working knowledge and be trained. The apprenticeship far exceeded my expectations.' There were so many opportunities for Ben to learn and develop. He went on residential training courses every 8 weeks, participated in regular onsite training, 1 to 1 tuition with a tutor available to help.
One of the challenges Chris mentioned was Ben did not have any peers that could related to what he was doing. All permanent staff at Trinity were over 27 and Ben was only 17. There was quite a generation gap. Chris would recommend to other employers thinking of taking on an apprentice that if their IT department is large enough to consider taking on 2 apprentices at a time, for peer support and encourage a bit of competition between them. He also said that it is important not to stick them in the corner and forget about them. Somebody has to be delegated to act as a mentor. Mentoring can be difficult when everyone's busy but it is worth the time effort.
Through the program Ben has learned a lot, he has developed customer service skills, taken on a lot more responsibilities and feels he has grown personally, academically and in the workplace. His advice any person thinking of going on an apprenticeship was 'Have an open mind, be confident as it is quite nerve wracking at first but no-one expects too much, you're only 16! Don't be afraid to ask stupid questions but there's no stupid questions, only stupid answers.' Ben hopes to become a successful developer! Continue to enhance his knowledge and to build successful projects for Trinity and their customers. Trinity are very keen to continue supporting these schemes and Microsoft initiatives.
Chris Said
'I would recommend any IT department to participate in the Microsoft Apprentice Program, you don't have to be gold partners, can be any organisation. It's worth trying out and 16 year olds aren't all hoodies and hanging round bus stops and in the park! This program is a viable way of securing long term employees.'
Useful Links
Mark your calendars and to join us on March 8th, 2012 for the global launch of SQL Server 2012!
The SQL Server 2012 Virtual Launch is an exclusive, online event designed to give you an overview of the exciting new capabilities of and new opportunities around SQL Server 2012, while directly connecting you to customers. Maurice Martin, Server UK Lead, will welcome you to the event where you will discover how early adopters, customers, and partners are already benefitting from these new capabilities in SQL Server 2012! You will be able to visit the partner pavilion where 10 UK partners will be showcase further the benefits of the new release. SQL Server 2012 is a highly anticipated technology ensures mission critical confidence with greater uptime, blazing fast performance, and enhanced security features; breakthrough insights with managed self-service data exploration and interactive data visualizations; and cloud on your terms with extended on-premise and public cloud solutions.
Go Further. Forward. Faster. - with Microsoft SQL Server 2012!
Next Steps:
· Registration is now open! Visit the event site and register your team.
· Add the reminder to your calendar.
· Invite your customers using our customizable invite
· Follow the launch via Twitter @SQLServer.
The initial wave of sessions have just gone live for TechEd Europe. Whilst this isn't the final list of sessions it should give some idea of who's going to be there and what sessions are available. Keep checking the TechEd Europe website for regular updates and additional speakers as they tend to be added in waves.
If you are looking for a quick way to justify coming to this event then show your boss the quantity and quality of the training on offer and the calibre of the speakers. Talk to people who have been to TechEd Europe before through the TechEd Europe Facebook page and get world class training.
Here's a sneak peak at a few of the speakers that are featuring at the event.
The sessions are split into tracks to help navigate through the raft of content that is available at the conference and it should help you to decide which content you would like to see.
If you are planning on coming to TechEd Europe let us know either on Twitter or Facebook! We look forward to seeing you there! It's usually an awesome event! You can also find your fellow attendees on the TechEd Europe Facebook page and Twitter account.
Don't waste a moment and get yourself registered before the end of March to qualify for the early bird discount!
We've been putting a fair bit of Azure content up recently and following on with that theme I thought it would be good to share some upcoming free training events that may be of interest to you. We will be running a series of lunchtime sessions from local UK experts where you can get up to speed and get your questions answered.
A couple of these events are more developer focused don't be put off. Many of you are more focused on the servers, architecture and ROI for these tools and as such there is an architect and business decision maker session that I thought might be relevant. The other two events are for you to pass on to your developers in case they haven't heard about the events already.
Tuesday, 20 March - A Newcomer's Introduction to Windows Azure.
This free online event runs from 12.00 – 2.00pm and is suitable for a developer who is either new to Windows Azure or has not yet had any exposure to it.
Wednesday, 21 March - An Experienced Developer's guide to Windows Azure.
This free online event runs from 12.00 – 2.00pm and is suitable for a developer who is experienced with Windows Azure. You have written and deployed some code but you'd like to now get a feel for what it's like to actually deliver projects on this platform.
Thursday, 22nd March - An Architect & Business Decision-Maker's guide to Windows Azure.
This free online event runs from 12.00 – 2.00pm and is a "warts and all" event where there are 2 case studies of organisations who have made the move to a Windows Azure Platform
Feel free to share this post with your fellow IT experts on Twitter, LinkedIn and Facebook by clicking on the social sharing icons in the sidebar!


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ROUND LAKE -- Despite outcry from village residents, Round Lake Library's Board of Trustees did not reinstate former library employee Theresa Marchione at its meeting Tuesday night.
Instead, the library board moved the matter into executive session, in which the issue could be discussed outside the view of village residents and media representatives, who packed themselves into the village hall's community room.
UPDATE: Hours after Tuesday night's meeting, all seven members of the library board resigned. Click here to read that story.
Tuesday's meeting was preceded by a Monday meeting of the Woman's Round Lake Improvement Society board, which governs the library Board of Trustees, that drew more than 120 people, most of whom were there to express their dissatisfaction with Marchione's firing.
At Monday's meeting, WRLIS passed motions urging the library board to reinstate Marchione and requesting library Director Carol Sheffer's resignation.
Marchione, a 24-year employee of Round Lake Library, was fired May 31 ostensibly for closing the library 40 minutes early, without permission, due to a tornado warning issued for the area.
A letter from Marchione to the library board was submitted but not read because, her daughters said, she did not want to enter the spotlight.
"She's nervous to go public with her comments; she doesn't feel comfortable. She's worried that she will somehow get in trouble -- she doesn't have attorneys on her side," daughter Tracy Smith said about her mother.
"Theresa did nothing wrong," a man said in response to Smith. "The director of the library did something wrong."
"That's right," yelled another person, and the room erupted in applause.
"This woman has no problem firing people like that," he continued, snapping his fingers. "There's something wrong with her."
Marchione is the second library employee fired by Sheffer in the last two years.
The other, Susan Poran, spoke at Monday's meeting. The former Round Lake Library employee said she was fired in 2011 for an alleged violation of a policy she did not know existed. Days later, she said, the son of a library Board of Trustees member was hired to fill the vacancy.
WRLIS members also voted on Monday to have Poran's termination expunged from her record, on which the library board did not act Tuesday.
In the wake of Marchione's firing, library board member Bill Ryan resigned his post on the Board of Trustees. He is also a former village mayor and the current village historian.
Library Board of Trustees President Sandra Debus and Mary Jo Lanahan are members of both WRLIS and the library board and did not vote on any motions during Monday's WRLIS meeting.
During Tuesday's meeting, Debus and Lanahan declared that for right or wrong, they would follow protocol and weren't ready to announce any decisions.
It was not what the crowd wanted to hear.
"A third-grader could have come to the right decision the following morning," longtime village resident Bill Sweet said about the board's inaction.
Debus and Lanahan argued they were basing their decisions off of legal advice acquired from Tom Peterson, attorney for the village, town and library. His wife, Linda, sits on the library Board of Trustees as well.
According to the Round Lake Library disaster plan, the library can close due to extreme weather: the president of the Board of Trustees is to be contacted, the plan reads, and a closed sign is to be posted on the door.
Before the public comment period of the meeting ended, Round Lake Mayor Dixie Lee Sacks left the board with some final words: "I would hate to see our little library go downhill," she said. "I hope you make the right decision."